In Summer, hams had a higher protein and dry matter content, a lower water/protein ratio and a lower slicing yield. These findings, which are PSE characteristics, are in contrast with more PSE meat in Winter than in Summer based on previous pHi and L*(57.1)u measurements (Table 2). On the other hand, PSE meat identified on pHi and PQMi basis showed the same trend i.e. more PSE characteristics in Summer (but not significant). This is in agreement with Guàrdia et al. (2004). It should be noticed that the measurements before cooking are only point measurements. The measurements after cooking are measurements of the whole ham and are consequently a better representative for the ham.